3 years later
"Rinnnnnggg RIinnnnng"
The sound of Ash's alarm clock woke him up. He was tempted to go back to sleep, but he suddenly remembered that today was the start of the journey.
"Dratini, wake up. We need to get to the Professor's Lab early in order to get prepared for our journey."
Ash quickly bolted down stairs. His mother was already at the table, waiting for him with a stack of pancakes and bacon.
"So Ash, are you excited for your Pokemon journey to finally begin."
"Sure am Mom I got to get to the Lab soon, so I can avoid Gary and get my stuff ready. I'll come back for the last time after I'm all set."
By the time he finished saying that sentence, he finished his breakfast and quickly ran outside with Dratini.
Knock Knock
"Hello Ash, good to see that you got here early. Come inside. I have a surprise for you."
He presented a bag filled with many things.
He pulled out a red Pokedex, 10 Pokeballs, and a few potions.
"You already know what most of these things are. But that isn't where the surprise is. Come with me."
Professor walked to a round table, and pressed a button. Out came a regular Pokeball.
"I specifically got this Pokemon for you, since I know what type of Pokemon you want to train. Think of this as a gift for helping me out with fieldwork and new discoveries. I allowed your carry limit to 12, since I gave you the position of Researcher-in-Training. Just make sure you don't be too picky, and think about what Pokemon you want to train."
"Wow! Thanks a lot Professor. And don't worry, I won't just train Pokemon like Dratini."
The Professor then opened the Pokeball. A figure slowly formed before him. It was a... Bagon!
Ash couldn't believe his eyes. This was a psuedo found in Hoenn.
"Baaag?" It walked over a sniffed Ash and Dratini. It gave them both a big smile, and head butted his legs.
"Aren't you strong Bagon, I'll make sure you turn into the most powerful Salamence in the world!" Ash then recalled his Bagon into the Pokeball.
"How did you manage to attain this Bagon Professor?"
"I got it from Professor Birch, who wanted to thank us for all the new research we did. He knew exactly what to give us as a gift."
"Thanks a million Professor, and give Professor Elm my thanks."
"That's quite alright Ash. Good luck on your journey. And make sure you give me a call occasionally to tell me about your progress."
Ash set of towards his home for the last time in a while. When he walked in, Delia was ready with his backpack with his supplies.
"I can't believe my baby boy Ash is going on his journey. I'm going to miss you." They gave each other a last hug.
"I'll miss you too mom, I'll make sure I call you sometimes."
"Ok. And, make sure you don't forget to change your und-"
Ash had already walked and closed the door at this point.
"Phew that was close"
He then released his Dratini and Bagon.
"C'mon guys, we are finally beginning our journey now. And, we'll definitely be the best Pokemon trainer the world has ever seen." So, the three of them set off to Route 1 towards Viridian City.